Veteran Fraud Postcard Scam: How to Spot, Stop, and Report It
If you receive a postcard in the mail promising “extra monthly VA benefits” through a “Veterans Savings Program,” do not call the number provided—it is a scam. This fraudulent program does not exist, and the postcard is designed to trick you into sharing personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details with criminals . The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have issued nationwide alerts to warn veterans about this scheme .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| The Scam | Fake “Veterans Savings Program” postcard promising extra monthly benefits | |
| Target | Veterans, spouses, and caregivers across the U.S. | |
| Goal | Steal personal and financial information (SSN, bank details) | |
| Red Flag | Creates false urgency, pressures you to call within a few days | |
| Official Agency | Report to FTC, VA, and FBI | |
| Report Online | ReportFraud.ftc.gov | VSAFE.gov |
| Report Phone | 1-833-38V-SAFE (87233) | |
| Updated For | August 2026 |
What Is the Veterans Savings Program Postcard Scam?
A Fake Promise Designed to Steal Your Identity
What It Is: Scammers are mailing postcards to veterans across the country claiming that you or your spouse may qualify for “extra monthly veterans benefits” through a “Veterans Savings Program” . In some versions of the scam, the postcard promises specific benefits like CHAMPVA, TRICARE For Life, dental coverage, or an extra $85 or $185 in monthly payments .
Who Is Targeted: Veterans, military families, and surviving spouses. Scammers target veterans because they know many rely on earned benefits and may be looking for additional financial resources . The postcard often mentions the state you live in to appear more legitimate .
Why It Matters: The “Veterans Savings Program” does not exist. The VA is not sending these postcards, and they are not affiliated with any government agency . The sole purpose of the scam is to get you to call the number provided so the scammers can manipulate you into sharing sensitive information .
What Veterans Should Do Next: Do not call the number on the postcard. Discard it. If you have questions about your benefits, contact the VA directly using a phone number you know is real, such as the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 .
How the Scam Works
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Fraud
The Postcard Arrives: You receive an official-looking postcard in the mail. It mentions your state and references real VA programs like CHAMPVA or TRICARE to seem credible .
The Promise Is Made: The postcard claims you are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments through a program called the “Veterans Savings Program” .
Pressure Is Applied: The scammers create a sense of urgency. The postcard often instructs you to call “right away” or within five days, warning that you might lose out on the benefits if you don’t act quickly .
The Phone Call: If you call the number, a scammer will answer and often use flattery and praise regarding your military service to gain your trust .
Information Is Stolen: The scammer’s goal is to obtain your personal identifying information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, VA file number, or other sensitive data .
Identity Theft or Fraud: With this information, scammers can steal your identity, access your bank accounts, or commit other forms of fraud in your name.
How to Identify the Scam Postcard
Red Flags to Watch For
Claims you have been “selected” or “pre-qualified” for new VA benefits.
Promises guaranteed payments or extra monthly benefits.
Creates pressure to respond immediately or calls for urgent action.
Requests personal information like your Social Security number, banking information, or VA file number.
Uses official-sounding language or mentions real VA programs, but is not sent directly from the VA.
The “Veterans Savings Program” is mentioned. This is the hallmark of this particular scam.
Official VA Communications Are Different
Legitimate VA communications will NOT:
Pressure you to respond immediately .
Ask for sensitive information over the phone from an unverified source .
Promise extra benefits through a program you haven’t heard of.
Official VA communications WILL:
Use official channels like va.gov .
Point you to verified phone numbers you can look up online .
Clearly identify themselves as coming from the VA.
Know the Difference: Scam vs. Legitimate “Choose VA” Postcard
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityImportant: In August 2026, the VA began mailing official “Choose VA” postcards to approximately 3.8 million veterans who are not enrolled in VA healthcare . These legitimate postcards are designed to help veterans learn about their healthcare eligibility and how to enroll .
| Feature | Fraudulent “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard | Legitimate “Choose VA” Postcard |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Steal personal information | Enroll veterans in VA healthcare |
| Sending Agency | Scammers | The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Program Mentioned | “Veterans Savings Program” (fake) | “Choose VA” (real outreach campaign) |
| Promises | Extra monthly benefits, dental, CHAMPVA, TRICARE | Information on healthcare eligibility and enrollment |
| Urgency | High pressure to call immediately | No pressure to act immediately |
What Veterans Should Do Next: If you receive a postcard from the VA, always consider what the message is asking you to do. If it is directing you to www.va.gov or a phone number you can easily search online to verify, it is likely legitimate . If you are ever unsure, contact the VA directly using a number you know is real, or report it through VSAFE.gov .
How to Protect Yourself
Your Personal Information Is Valuable
Never share personal or financial information with unverified contacts. Don’t give your Social Security number, bank details, or VA file number to anyone who contacts you unsolicited .
Don’t act on urgent requests. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or threaten you with loss of benefits if you don’t act quickly .
Verify sender identity. If you have questions about a communication, call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000. Always use a number you know is real—never the one provided in a suspicious postcard .
Be cautious on social media. Scammers may try to build trust through social media messages or friend requests .
Spread the word. Scammers don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help other veterans in your community spot and avoid the scam .
Sign up for scam alerts. Visit MilitaryConsumer.gov to get email updates on the latest scams targeting service members and veterans .
What to Do If You Receive the Postcard
Do not respond. Do not call the phone number on the postcard. Do not provide any information .
Do not throw it away yet. You may need it for reporting purposes. If you want to report it, keep it as evidence.
Report it. File a complaint with:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The VA: VSAFE.gov or call 1-833-38V-SAFE (87233)
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
Contact the VA directly if you have questions about your benefits. Use the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 .
Tell your friends and family. Scammers often target multiple people in the same community. Sharing this information helps protect others .
Common Questions
1. Is the “Veterans Savings Program” real?
No. The “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in these postcards does not exist. It is a fraudulent scheme designed to steal personal information . Neither the VA nor any other government agency runs such a program.
2. What should I do if I get a postcard about extra VA benefits?
Do not call the number on the postcard. The FTC and VA advise veterans not to respond and to discard it . If you have questions about your benefits, contact the VA directly using a verified number such as 1-800-827-1000 .
3. Did the VA send me this postcard?
No. These postcards are not sent by the VA. They are from scammers pretending to be affiliated with the VA . The VA has issued a fraud alert warning veterans about this specific scam .
4. What if the postcard mentions CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life?
Scammers often mention real VA programs like CHAMPVA and TRICARE For Life to make the postcard appear legitimate . This does not mean the postcard is official. Always verify through official channels.
5. Why do scammers target veterans?
Scammers often target veterans because they know many rely on earned benefits and may be looking for additional resources. Studies show that 39% of veterans have been solicited by someone claiming to represent the VA or another government agency .
6. How much money do veterans lose to scams?
According to FTC data, military members, veterans, and military families reported losing $684 million to fraud in 2025 . More than a quarter of veterans surveyed said they had lost money to fraud, with most losing over $500 .
7. How do I know if a VA communication is legitimate?
Legitimate VA communications will direct you to official channels like www.va.gov or phone numbers you can easily search online to verify . The VA will not pressure you to respond immediately or ask for sensitive information over the phone .
8. What is VSAFE.gov?
VSAFE.gov is an official resource launched by the VA with eight federal partners to help protect veterans from scams. You can report suspected fraud or identity theft through the site or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE (87233) .
9. Should I report the scam if I didn’t lose any money?
Yes. Reporting scams even if you didn’t lose money helps law enforcement track fraud schemes and warn other potential victims. You can report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or VSAFE.gov .
10. Is the “Choose VA” postcard I received a scam?
If you received a “Choose VA” postcard between mid-August and mid-September 2026, it is a legitimate communication from the VA. It is part of an official outreach campaign to help veterans enroll in VA healthcare. The VA has confirmed these are not scams .
Key Takeaways
Scammers are mailing postcards promising extra VA benefits through a fake “Veterans Savings Program” .
This program does not exist. The goal is to steal your Social Security number or bank account details .
The VA and FTC advise that you do not respond to these postcards .
Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to act immediately or give sensitive information over the phone .
The VA is sending official “Choose VA” postcards to 3.8 million veterans in August-September 2026. These are legitimate .
Report suspected fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, VSAFE.gov, or the FBI’s IC3 .
The VSAFE hotline (1-833-38V-SAFE) is available for questions and reporting scams targeting veterans .
Veterans lost $684 million to fraud in 2025—stay vigilant .
If you have questions about your benefits, call the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 .
Tell others about the scam to help protect the veteran community .
Official Resources
FTC Report Fraud – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
VSAFE Hotline – 1-833-38V-SAFE (87233)
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – ic3.gov
VA Benefits Hotline – 1-800-827-1000
Military Consumer – www.militaryconsumer.gov
VA.gov – Official VA benefits and healthcare – www.va.gov
USA.gov – Official U.S. government information – www.usa.gov
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